Manatee lifeguards share safety tips after over 130 beach rescues in 3 days
Manatee County lifeguards rescued 136 people over a three-day stretch last week, prompting officials to remind beachgoers to make safety part of every trip to the shore.
In a social media post Tuesday, county officials said lifeguards also spotted more than 125 rip currents between Wednesday and Friday, and stepped in nearly 200 times to help prevent potential water rescues and medical emergencies and shared five beach safety tips.
Officials encouraged beachgoers to:
- Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower.
- Pay attention to beach warning flags and what they mean.
- Designate a “Water Watcher” to supervise children in the water.
- If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, conserve energy and swim parallel to shore until you’re out of the current.
- Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen, seeking shade and staying hydrated.
In a video accompanying the post, a county lifeguard compared beach warning flags to traffic lights.
“Green means go, yellow means proceed with caution, and red is a high hazard,” the lifeguard said. “Double red means that our beaches are closed and purple is marine life.”
Manatee County shares beach safety tips
Officials also urged visitors to wear sunscreen, seek shade and drink plenty of water during the summer months, reminding visitors that sometimes the heat can be just as dangerous as the water.
“One of our most common emergencies that we have out here on the beach, especially in summer, is heat-related emergencies,” the lifeguard said.
Manatee County staffs lifeguard towers at Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee Beach year round. In the video, the lifeguard encouraged beachgoers to swim near lifeguards and enjoy their time on the sand.
“Finally, the last thing to consider is, make sure you have fun,” he said. “Our beaches out here are for everyone, make sure you’re safe and respectful.”
